South Korea marks first anniversary of Sewol ferry disaster

South Korea's president has promised to raise the Sewol ferry, as the nation marks a year since the disaster.

A total of 304 people, mostly school students, were killed when the ship - overloaded and illegally redesigned - sank off Jindo island.

The disaster triggered nationwide grief and outrage. It led to severe criticism of safety standards and rescue efforts.

Divers have recovered all but nine of the bodies. Relatives say the ship must be raised so more remains can be found.

The government says salvaging the ship will cost $110 million. But President Park Guen-hye, speaking at a port in Jindo, said she would take "the necessary steps to salvage the ship at the earliest possible date".

Memorial ceremonies are being held in some 300 places across the country.